DENVER, CO (BRAIN)—MapMyRide.com, the Internet's premier provider of online mapping and training tools for cyclists, and Versus, the exclusive television home of the Tour de France in the U.S., have partnered for the second consecutive year to present the 2010 Le Tour Challenge benefiting the American Diabetes Association.
The Le Tour Challenge gives cyclists around the world the opportunity to "virtually" compete against in the 2010 Tour de France. The Challenge calls for participants to get out and ride their bikes over the duration of the tour— from July 3-25—and submit their ride data to MapMyRide.com, according to a press release. MapMyRide then computes each participant's "Virtual Stage Time"—the actual time he or she would have posted racing alongside the pros on that day.
The innovative technology enabled Challenge gives participants the chance to win more than $135,000 worth of prizes in random daily drawings and compete for special jerseys. Prizes include a Trek Travel Grand Prize Trip Package for two to watch the 2010 Tour's final stage, Cannondale's SuperSix Hi Mod 1 and Six Carbon 3 bikes, and a Trek Travel California Wine Country Bike Tour. During The Challenge, cyclists anywhere in the world will be able to "virtually" race against one another and the pros in the Tour de France peloton and try to win the Le Tour Challenge Yellow, Sprint, King of the Mountain, Time Trial, Red Rider, Youth and Top Fundraiser jerseys. All jerseys will be provided by cycling apparel manufacturer Primal Wear.
"Partnering again with Versus again to present the 2010 edition of the Le Tour Challenge gives us another opportunity to deliver everyday cyclists a thrilling virtual Tour de France," said Robin Thurston, CEO of MapMyFitness, Inc. "At MapMyRide.com, we aim to help people achieve more active and healthier lifestyles, and we believe the Le Tour Challenge moves us closer to that goal by motivating people to get on their bikes and compete against the top pros in France without ever leaving their hometowns. And, if the excitement of virtually competing in cycling's most storied race is not enough to get someone out on their bike, then maybe the prospect of winning thousands of dollars in prizes will."
The 2009 edition of the Challenge attracted over 30,000 cyclists from all 50 states and 151 countries and MapMyRide expects that number to triple this year. With a few days to go before the 2010 Le Tour Challenge kicks off, the Challenge has registered 6,222 cycling enthusiasts. The early registrations have permitted MapMyRide to collect and analyze consumer habits of a large and diverse segment of cyclists. For instance, the most popular bike frames among Le Tour Challenge registrants are Trek [20%], Specialized [13%] and Cannondale [9%]. Notably, all three gained market share among the registrants over last year. Shimano dominated the market in 2009 [72%] as the most popular component among participants with Campagnolo [7.5%] and SRAM [5%] fitting into second and third place respectively. In 2010, most participants fall within 36 - 40 age group. The majority of participants indicate they ride an average weekly distance is 61 - 90 miles. Further analysis of the data at the conclusion of the 2010 Le Tour Challenge will provide additional knowledge and consumer trends that will be invaluable to the cycling industry.
The Le Tour Challenge starts on July 3 to coincide with the Tour de France. For more information on the Challenge or to sign up, please visit www.mapmyride.com/tdf (click on link) or www.Versus.com.
